Coach: 'This is the Type of Game That Makes a Program'

Coach Al Tolomeo knew Wednesday’s game against the No. 5 team in the state, Kolbe Cathedral, was going to be difficult for his two-win Wolverines.

He hoped his team would respond well when facing off against the Bridgeport school coached by former UConn basketball star Chris Smith, but even Tolomeo, perhaps the biggest believer in Wolverine basketball in town, was pleasantly surprised by his team’s performance Wednesday night.

No, the Wolverines did not win the home game, and they try not to measure their success by moral victories. But if there ever was one, it was this game.

Oxford lost 83-67 in a game that saw the Wolverines down by single digits when the third quarter ended.

“This was the best game we played in three years,” Tolomeo said. “The kids laid their hearts on the line; we just ran out of punches, I guess. But the kids are an absolute pleasure to coach.”

Oxford was led by J.T. VanKamerik, who scored 21 points in the paint, grabbed 12 rebounds and blocked four shots. Tyler Gruttadauria scored 13 points and had three steals for Oxford, while Caithan Pratt had 15 points and seven assists. Seth Calvanese played well for Oxford with 13 points and three steals, while Alex Miller had four assists and three steals.

It was the first time Oxford had four players in a game score in double digits.

“We went out there and didn’t back down,” Tolomeo said. “Every last one of the kids, from the starters to the bench, responded. It was a great team effort, and I couldn’t be prouder.

Despite the loss, this could be the signature game in Oxford history, Tolomeo said.

“I told the guys that they’ve always been a team, and that this is the kind of game that makes a program,” he said.

With the loss, Oxford drops to 2-12 on the season.